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English Bulldog
Breed Stats
Weight/Height:
40-55 pounds, 14-15 inches
Coat Type:
Short, soft, wrinkly
Grooming Needs:
Shedding:
Temperament:
Friendly, docile, kind, willful
Good With Kids:
Good With Other Animals:
Intelligence:
Easy To Train:
Energy Level:
Barking Habits:
Lifespan:
8-10 years
Adopting an English Bulldog: An Overview
English bulldogs are widely recognized, known for their wrinkly faces, large heads, and flattened muzzles. Most Americans had their first introduction to these sweet dogs through the Tom and Jerry cartoon series. Spike and Tyke, the father-son English bulldog duo, made frequent appearances, often chasing after Tom for the cat’s mischief.
Despite their broad, stocky appearance and powerful build, English bulldogs are incredibly sweet. They are known to be very loving towards their owners and love feeling like a part of the family. They’re enthusiastic about being included, whether it’s in your day-to-day activities or for something you’ve specially planned for them.
Their calm and affectionate demeanor makes them a popular choice for families. Plus, their cute looks can’t be ignored. English bulldogs have a distinctive feature–their lower jaw juts out in front of the upper jaw, making it look like they’re smiling all the time.
Interestingly, English bulldogs were first bred as baiting dogs in the 1200s. This is also where they get their name from, as the sport they participated in was known as “bull baiting”. This is where a bull was tied to a pole, and a dog would fight it. Even though the English bulldog has had a tumultuous history, they are now a cherished companion dog. The breeding quality of English bulldogs has improved dramatically over the years, now producing loyal, elegant, and gentle dogs that are a privilege to care for. In 1886, the English bulldog was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an official breed, and it has remained popular ever since.
Bulldogs have an even, balanced temperament that sometimes makes them lazy. For their size, at about 40 pounds, these dogs have relatively low energy levels. It is important to note, though, that English bulldogs can be stubborn. They’re very likely to stand their ground when untrained or newly adopted. Gentle training can help them understand commands and boundaries better.
If you want to adopt an English bulldog, you can start by making a list of breed-specific rescues or shelters accessible to your location. This breed is quite popular, so it can take some time before you are matched with the right pup for you. Many public and private shelters and rescue organizations work with English bulldogs needing a loving home.
Once you approach a shelter, they will ask you to fill out an application with your own details. This will include questions about your lifestyle and your experience with owning dogs. This is important to ensure that they can match you with a dog that will meet your caregiving capacity. You may also have to apply for specific dogs, and the shelter will evaluate if you’re a good candidate for adopting them.
Once you’re matched with a dog, the organization or shelter may visit you for a house check. This is to validate and confirm the information you have communicated to them about your experience and living situation. Then, you can visit the shelter and meet the dog you want to adopt. It is good practice to ask the adoption center about the dog’s personality, behavior, health, and past experiences.
The adoption process ends with having to pay a fee to the shelter. Adopting an English bulldog may cost anywhere between $100 and $500. This depends on the individual organization. Some shelters have a higher adoption fee, as it includes vaccinations, health checks, and support with training.
If you want to learn more about how you can care for your adopted English bulldog, read on.
English Bulldogs For Adoption
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How to Care for an Adopted English Bulldog?
Bringing your adopted English bulldog home is an exciting experience, but it does require thoughtful planning. When you bring your new pup home, expect a period of adjustment as your dog transitions into their new environment.
While English bulldogs are sweet and friendly, they are also emotionally sensitive and will need support to feel comfortable in their new home. You may observe that your adopted English bulldog is acting shy and is not interacting much in the beginning, but this will get better with time.
It can help to provide your dog with a structure to their day, but scheduling dinner, walks, and play at regular times. You can also create a pup corner for your dog and place a dog bed or crate for them that they can retire to. If your dog is feeling overstimulated in the early days, the pup corner will give them a sense of comfort and home.
Aim to start training sessions as early as possible. These dogs are very intelligent and love getting the attention of their owners, so they’ll be happy to respond to your command. However, English bulldogs are also known to be independent, and this can translate into stubbornness. It will be slightly difficult to get them to listen to your commands at first, but with gentle, consistent training, they are good learners.
Avoid using harsh training methods or punishment, as this can make your dog defiant and withdrawn. You can use online resources such as Dog Academy’s online training courses for specific guidance on training. You should also socialize your dog gradually to make them comfortable around their family and any other house pets.
Grooming English bulldogs does not require a lot of effort, but consistency is important. They have short, smooth fur that sheds significantly. Brushing every other day can make shedding more manageable and keep your dog’s coat looking glossy.
English bulldogs need special attention to their signature wrinkles. Wipe their face and between the wrinkles gently once a day with a damp cloth to clean any dirt and avoid bacterial infections. You should include nail clipping, ear cleaning, and bathing in their grooming routine as well.
Another aspect of caring for your English bulldog is providing them with the right nutrition. Creating a balanced and nutritious dietary plan for them is important because English bulldogs are prone to obesity. Refrain from giving them too many treats, and keep their portions controlled to avoid overfeeding them. It is also recommended to feed your bulldog twice per day to manage bloating.
Generally, English bulldogs have moderate energy levels but require lots of mental stimulation. You can plan short walks for them every day, and when they are indoors, you can give them toys and puzzles to play with. They are a brachycephalic breed, so they encounter issues with breathing when engaging in intense play or exercise. Take care not to tire them out, and give them breaks when planning longer walks or outdoor activities.
Finally, taking care of your English bulldog’s health cannot be overlooked. While this breed is incredibly sweet and fairly low maintenance, they are predisposed to health challenges. English bulldogs are prone to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, which can make it difficult for them to breathe and can also cause overheating.
Other health concerns include obesity, bloating, entropion, hip dysplasia, and skin fold allergies. Keep an eye out for any unusual behavior or symptoms and visit the vet for regular health checks to keep your adopted English bulldog thriving.
Is It a Good Idea to Adopt an English Bulldog As Your First Dog?
An English bulldog is a great breed to adopt for inexperienced owners, but only if they are aware of the effort and care required. This breed is perceived to generally be low maintenance as they have moderate grooming and exercise needs. But, they have a delicate and sensitive temperament, so they need to be dealt with gently, yet firmly when training. Additionally, these dogs inherit health issues related to their skin, joints, and gut, which have to be attended to consistently.
For owners who have done their research and have determined that they can provide the environment that these dogs need, English bulldogs are a great breed to adopt. Provided that they are socialized well, these dogs get along great with children and have a protective side to them, too.
Adopt the Right English Bulldog for You
When looking to adopt the right English bulldog for you, work with a reputable adoption center (such as Dog Academy) or rescue organization. They will be able to provide you with the required information about your dog, and will support you to ensure that you find your match.
As long as you’ve done your due diligence and research before adopting the pup, you are likely to bring home a forever friend that’ll have your heart.
